HOW TO MAKE THE HANGING

Step 1: The denim or thick fabric for the backing panel is hemmed all the way around with running stitch. Blue thread can be used to match the fabric or a contrasting colour chosen to add an extra layer of detail. If a new piece of fabric is used, it should be washed and pressed first before sewing.

Step 2: The fabric is placed, right side down, on a table, with the short end facing front. The sticks are positioned at the top and bottom, and the fabric folded over them and pinned down loosely. Care should be taken to ensure the material remains straight, and it is advisable to use a tape measure to check this. The sticks are removed and a seam sewn along the line of the pins, creating a recess for them to be pushed through at a later stage.

Step 3: The fabric panel is placed, right side up, and the six patch pockets arranged in two vertical lines towards the left side. These are pinned and sewn in place. This can be done with a sewing machine, but a denim machine needle will be needed to go through the thickness of the pocket and the backing fabric.

Step 4: On the right-hand side of the fabric, a strip of the salvaged double seam is placed vertically and sewn at intervals with short, horizontal rows of running stitch, 90 degrees to the strip of fabric. This creates loops through which smaller items, such as scissors, pencils and crochet hooks, can be slotted and held in place.

Step 5: To finish, the sticks are pushed back through the recesses and the remaining lengths of salvaged seam tied to the top stick on both sides to create a tie for hanging the pocket display on the wall.

“Oh, never mind the fashion. When one has a style of one’s own, it is always twenty times better”

Margaret Oliphant